Posts by Hayley Sotolotto
Remembering Marion Taylor
The Mary Lyon Foundation joins the West County community in remembering Marion Taylor, a founding member of the Foundation and a lifelong champion of local education and community life. Marion devoted decades to strengthening the region she loved through her work with local schools and through her deep involvement in organizations including the Girl Scouts,…
Read MoreThe Road to Independence
For many students in rural communities, learning to drive is more than a milestone. It is a gateway to independence, employment, and opportunity. This year, a new partnership between Mohawk Trail Regional High School and JaDuke Driving School is helping make that opportunity more accessible, with support from the Mary Lyon Foundation. The collaboration brings a driver’s education course…
Read MoreCongrats to Pat Thayer
The Mary Lyon Foundation would like to extend heartfelt congratulations to Pat Thayer, President of Hilltown Churches Food Pantry, for being named the Greenfield Recorder’s Citizen of the Year. Pat’s generosity of spirit and passion for feeding and caring for the surrounding community are truly inspiring. The Foundation feels proud to work and partner with…
Read MoreMA Association of Student Council’s State Conference
The Mary Lyon Foundation made a financial contribution to Mohawk Trail Regional School Student Council for three students to attend the MA Association of Student Council’s State Conference. Retired teacher Robert Mastorakis attended as a mentor and chaperone. MTRS Student Council President Landon Clark shares the impact of the experience on him as a student leader. “This past week…
Read MoreEvery Child Deserves a Seat on the Bus This Summer
Last summer, four Union 38 students packed their lunches, boarded buses, and stepped into a summer they might not otherwise have had. Because of support from the Mary Lyon Foundation’s Union 38 Family Fund, those four children were able to attend River Valley Day Camp, a place filled with field trips, laughter, new friendships, and…
Read MoreLetter from the Chief Executive Officer: Spring 2026
In this edition of our spring newsletter, we pay homage to the beloved Marion Taylor, who recently passed away. Marion’s vision and passion for the Mary Lyon Foundation continue to inspire us and shape our future. As one former board member shared, “Marion was a beacon of light, and her warmth and love for the…
Read MoreFrom Ashfield to Law School, Emaline Drury is Making Her Mark
Emaline Drury is not your average high school senior. Driven by a deep passion for justice and community service, this Ashfield resident is already paving the way for a bright future. With big dreams of attending law school, Emaline is the proud recipient of the prestigious Edwin C. Demara Endowed Scholarship. This scholarship, awarded by…
Read MoreA Gift of Hope and Healing Through the Guardian Angel Fund
In the heart of Shelburne Falls, a fund carries the memory of a beautiful soul, Anna Marie Townsend. The Guardian Angel Fund, established in her remembrance and now facilitated through the Mary Lyon Foundation, has become a lifeline for local families facing unimaginable hardships. What began as a community’s effort to honor the life of…
Read MoreGreenfield Savings Bank: A Pillar of Community Support and Partnership
Greenfield Savings Bank (GSB) has long been recognized for its commitment to supporting local nonprofits and contributing to the well-being of the communities it serves. Rooted deeply in Franklin and Hampshire Counties, GSB’s dedication to philanthropy comes from its status as a mutual financial institution, a model that prioritizes community prosperity over profit. “We’ve been…
Read MoreSarah’s Corner: Spring 2025
As spring buds unfurl across the hills of Western Massachusetts, I express my deepest appreciation for your unwavering commitment to our mission. As a newcomer to this dedicated team, I’ve been humbled by the remarkable achievements made possible by our community’s steadfast support of our vital work. Your generosity has been the cornerstone of our…
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